Shop Talk: When Roundup Ready Soybean Patent Expires, Will Growers Be Able To Save Seed?

“Maybe — but it depends on several other factors,” Kansas State soybean breeder Bill Schapaugh says. “Varieties with that trait will no longer be covered by the original Roundup Ready patent, but other patents, such as varietal patents that cover specific varieties of soybean, are likely to continue for at least several years after the Roundup Ready trait has expired.”
Schapaugh adds that plant variety protection certificates or other intellectual property mechanisms, such as licenses or contracts, can protect varieties.
This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to save original Roundup Ready soybean seed for replanting in 2015, but no-tillers will need to check with their seed supplier to determine whether it’s permissible for each variety they’re considering.
For more information, Monsanto’s Web site at www.soybeans.com explains what will happen after the expiration of the patent.

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